Moore has been the leading attorney for the city of Independence for more than 14 years - 20 years total as a city employee - but he will change gears in three weeks.

Moore is going to work for the private practice of King Hershey, a highly active firm established by attorneys Richard King and Roger Hershey.

'I truly enjoy doing what I am doing,' Moore said, 'I'm looking forward to continuing my relationship with the city in some form or another in the future.'

Mayor Ron Stewart said Moore has been a valuable asset and a friend to the city.

'He's always been very receptive to any problem and has always done his best to find solutions to the best of his ability to provide guidance in the field of law to the City Council,' Stewart said. 'He has always been very cheerful.'

Stewart commended Moore for his work, especially during the last nine years of rapid growth in Independence. He singled out his work on tax-increment financing issues.

City Manager Larry Blick echoed the mayor's sentiments.

'He has provided excellent legal counsel to the city,' Blick said. 'He has a very pleasant personality, and he is not easily ruffled.'

Moore said his new job will entail a lot of the same elements he deals with now, such as city growth.

'It will be similar to what I'm doing now, only it will be in the private sector,' he said.'I love what I've been doing.'

To many city officials and staff members, Moore is more than a legal counselor, Blick said.

'I have relied on him a lot to discuss non-legal issues,' Blick said, 'He is a level headed person.'

Blick said his only disappointment with Moore happens when they lose while paired together at golf.